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rusticreadingal's review against another edition
5.0
Diamond in the Rough is another laugh-out-loud funny romance from Jen Turano. I always have a huge smile on my face when I'm reading one of her books. There's just something so special and uplifting about them. This is one of my favorites.
Poppy's entrance into New York high society doesn't get off to the best start. It's full of mishaps, slips of the tongue, social miscues, and embarrassing snafus, but that doesn't stop Poppy from having an upbeat attitude about it all. I loved that about her. She's so cheery and optimistic despite it all. Wouldn't it be nice to be more like her in awkward situations? She's exactly who she is. No airs. No apologies. Just her awesome, mishap-prone self.
And then there's Reginald who I have to admit I fell for the moment he first appeared on page. There's just something about a broody Englishman that I can't seem to resist. His attempts to teach Poppy proper etiquette were quite amusing. There was never a dull moment when those to were together.
I absolutely loved this story and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet romance and a good laugh. I can't wait for the next book.
Poppy's entrance into New York high society doesn't get off to the best start. It's full of mishaps, slips of the tongue, social miscues, and embarrassing snafus, but that doesn't stop Poppy from having an upbeat attitude about it all. I loved that about her. She's so cheery and optimistic despite it all. Wouldn't it be nice to be more like her in awkward situations? She's exactly who she is. No airs. No apologies. Just her awesome, mishap-prone self.
And then there's Reginald who I have to admit I fell for the moment he first appeared on page. There's just something about a broody Englishman that I can't seem to resist. His attempts to teach Poppy proper etiquette were quite amusing. There was never a dull moment when those to were together.
I absolutely loved this story and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet romance and a good laugh. I can't wait for the next book.
melissasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Another fun book by Jen Turano. This book is loosely based on Pride and Prejudice. There is a nod to Jane Austen throughout the book. It's a fun story of a girl raised on a horse farm whose estranged grandmother blackmails her into having a New York season. Her grandmother introduces her to English royalty, but Poppy time and time again is rescued by his cousin and travelling companion who is hiding the fact that he is the son of a duke and extremely wealthy in his own right. Despite the obvious chemistry between the two, Poppy thinks he's pompous and he thinks that she wouldn't make a good duchess. However, as time goes on, he begins to see Poppy in a new light. Ms. Turano always injects humor into her books and this one is no exception. It's a fun light read with a HEA ending. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
rosannelortz's review against another edition
4.0
Poppy Garrison is more used to working on a horse farm than mingling with New York's elite four hundred. When she accepts her estranged grandmother's offer to give her a "season," she soon discovers that her klutzy ways and outspoken manner make her stand out--and not in a good way. A visiting Englishman, Reginald Blackburn, gets her out of one dangerous scrape after another. At the urging of Poppy's grandmother, he even acts as her social tutor to help her better fit into New York's social setting.
As Poppy draws the apparent attention of one lord and one rich businessman, events take a more dramatic turn. Are all of the kerfuffles in Miss Garrison's wake merely due to clumsiness, or is she actually the victim of sabotage? Can Poppy become a diamond of the first water, or is it enough to hope that she will survive the social season with her life intact?
In true Jen Turano style, this book shows Poppy in one hilarious fiasco after another. At the beginning of the story, we find her dancing a quadrille when her tiara attaches itself to the sleeve of her diminutive partner's jacket. Reginald, a brooding and proper Englishman, is intrigued by Poppy's carefree ways and generous with his etiquette lessons. Although he is, purportedly, supposed to be helping his titled cousin find a bride, he finds himself growing attracted to Poppy himself. But will the secret Reginald is keeping from Poppy prove heinous enough to drive them apart?
This enjoyable farce has a bit of the Jeeves and Wooster flavor to it. The story is good for a few chuckles and falls heavily on the comedy side of romantic comedy. Although it is the second in the American Heiresses series, the books stand alone.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
As Poppy draws the apparent attention of one lord and one rich businessman, events take a more dramatic turn. Are all of the kerfuffles in Miss Garrison's wake merely due to clumsiness, or is she actually the victim of sabotage? Can Poppy become a diamond of the first water, or is it enough to hope that she will survive the social season with her life intact?
In true Jen Turano style, this book shows Poppy in one hilarious fiasco after another. At the beginning of the story, we find her dancing a quadrille when her tiara attaches itself to the sleeve of her diminutive partner's jacket. Reginald, a brooding and proper Englishman, is intrigued by Poppy's carefree ways and generous with his etiquette lessons. Although he is, purportedly, supposed to be helping his titled cousin find a bride, he finds himself growing attracted to Poppy himself. But will the secret Reginald is keeping from Poppy prove heinous enough to drive them apart?
This enjoyable farce has a bit of the Jeeves and Wooster flavor to it. The story is good for a few chuckles and falls heavily on the comedy side of romantic comedy. Although it is the second in the American Heiresses series, the books stand alone.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
jolantheerb's review against another edition
4.0
Cute and memorable characters - another fun read from Jen Turano. ❤️
zebedee123's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
randikaye's review against another edition
5.0
Diamond in the Rough is book two in Jen Turano's American Heiresses series. While the first book- Flights of Fancy- has been sitting in my to be read pile for some time, I must admit that I'd not yet had the chance to read that one before I started this one. Still, you do not have to read the first book to enjoy this one. I cannot say for sure if there is any crossover of characters between the two, but I can say that I certainly didn't feel as I'd missed anything as I was reading. One thing that did become quite clear to me as I read was just WHY I'd heard so many great things about Jen Turano's work... this book was absolutely fantastic.
To be honest, humor is not an attribute that I would typically think of when thinking about historical fiction. Those I've read in the past might have a few moments here and there, but overall were more serious and subdue. Fights of Fancy on the other hand had me laughing right from the very start as we're introduced to Poppy with her tiara snagged on her dance partner's sleeve! One of my favorite books as a teenager was Princess Diaries, and I immediately was reminded of that as I read this one as both feature accident prone girls unaccustomed to the strict mannerisms required in their new settings. As in that beloved book, this leads to some hilarious and often over the top scenarios that tend to shake up the more uptight environment... and I absolutely loved it. I constantly found myself grinning and literally laughing out loud as I followed Poppy on her many misadventures. This was certainly one of those stories that I didn't want to end, as I found myself enjoying it way too much.
Though it was the comedy that I loved most of all, the romance was a close second. I loved the banter between Poppy and Reginald and certainly found myself rooting for them to come together in the end. There was also a bit of a mystery towards the end that added a little something extra to enjoy.
Overall, this was a fantastic read! Not only do I look forward to reading more in the series, I think I've found a new author to add to my growing list of must reads! I am excited to read more in the future.
** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts are 100% my own.
To be honest, humor is not an attribute that I would typically think of when thinking about historical fiction. Those I've read in the past might have a few moments here and there, but overall were more serious and subdue. Fights of Fancy on the other hand had me laughing right from the very start as we're introduced to Poppy with her tiara snagged on her dance partner's sleeve! One of my favorite books as a teenager was Princess Diaries, and I immediately was reminded of that as I read this one as both feature accident prone girls unaccustomed to the strict mannerisms required in their new settings. As in that beloved book, this leads to some hilarious and often over the top scenarios that tend to shake up the more uptight environment... and I absolutely loved it. I constantly found myself grinning and literally laughing out loud as I followed Poppy on her many misadventures. This was certainly one of those stories that I didn't want to end, as I found myself enjoying it way too much.
Though it was the comedy that I loved most of all, the romance was a close second. I loved the banter between Poppy and Reginald and certainly found myself rooting for them to come together in the end. There was also a bit of a mystery towards the end that added a little something extra to enjoy.
Overall, this was a fantastic read! Not only do I look forward to reading more in the series, I think I've found a new author to add to my growing list of must reads! I am excited to read more in the future.
** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts are 100% my own.
thebamabuckeye's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
“He loved her. It was as simple as that, even though she was the most exhausting and exasperating lady he’d ever met in his life.“
For all that I immediately engaged in Izzie’s story in Flights of Fancy, it took me a while to get into Diamond in the Rough. I liked Poppy immediately – and admired her for her pluck and determination even when she’s the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. I also liked Reginald right away, despite his rather stodgy name, because even though he is also stodgy I saw his potential right away. Plus he’s swoonily British and finds Poppy fascinating – both additional points in his favor. So I’m not exactly sure why I had a hard time connecting with the book, other than just mental fatigue after a long week.
However, once I got over my initial lack of enthusiasm, I became immersed in the true heart of the story and enjoyed watching Poppy set the New York 400 – and Reginald, too – off kilter. She’s such a genuine character with a big heart, and my heart smiled with the emphasis on social justice that Turano wove effortlessly into this story, even when Poppy hilariously set even that a bit off kilter too. Seeing Reginald all ruffled by Poppy’s persistence in discussing undergarments, her magnetism for mayhem, and the way she’s tumbling her way into his heart is deliciously swoony… and Diamond in the Rough wins the award for my favorite kissing scene by this author. Keep a fan handy for that one!
Bottom Line: While I wasn’t a fan of Diamond in the Rough at first, I ended up completely enjoying the story after all. Which is appropriate, given the title, I suppose. Poppy and Reginald are such great characters – and the banter between them will keep you grinning besottedly throughout. Poppy’s family unexpectedly grew on me as the story progressed, and I loved the cameo from Miss Mabel & references to beloved characters from Turano’s previous books. And Murray! Oh I loved Murray. What a hoot. Another fun misadventure through the ridiculousness of the Gilded Age.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
For all that I immediately engaged in Izzie’s story in Flights of Fancy, it took me a while to get into Diamond in the Rough. I liked Poppy immediately – and admired her for her pluck and determination even when she’s the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. I also liked Reginald right away, despite his rather stodgy name, because even though he is also stodgy I saw his potential right away. Plus he’s swoonily British and finds Poppy fascinating – both additional points in his favor. So I’m not exactly sure why I had a hard time connecting with the book, other than just mental fatigue after a long week.
However, once I got over my initial lack of enthusiasm, I became immersed in the true heart of the story and enjoyed watching Poppy set the New York 400 – and Reginald, too – off kilter. She’s such a genuine character with a big heart, and my heart smiled with the emphasis on social justice that Turano wove effortlessly into this story, even when Poppy hilariously set even that a bit off kilter too. Seeing Reginald all ruffled by Poppy’s persistence in discussing undergarments, her magnetism for mayhem, and the way she’s tumbling her way into his heart is deliciously swoony… and Diamond in the Rough wins the award for my favorite kissing scene by this author. Keep a fan handy for that one!
Bottom Line: While I wasn’t a fan of Diamond in the Rough at first, I ended up completely enjoying the story after all. Which is appropriate, given the title, I suppose. Poppy and Reginald are such great characters – and the banter between them will keep you grinning besottedly throughout. Poppy’s family unexpectedly grew on me as the story progressed, and I loved the cameo from Miss Mabel & references to beloved characters from Turano’s previous books. And Murray! Oh I loved Murray. What a hoot. Another fun misadventure through the ridiculousness of the Gilded Age.
(I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I purchased for my own collection.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
betherin02's review against another edition
5.0
Full review and author q&a on FaithfullyBookish.com
Diamond in the Rough has it all from adventure and sweet romance to heartwarming faith-in-action, reconciliation, and light-hearted humor.
Poppy is simply delightful! Although her country roots and propensity for landing in outrageous situations don’t bode well for a triumphant social season among those 400 fancy folks in the big city, I greatly enjoyed the way she innocently shocked those stiff shirts and pampered ladies time and time again.
Reginald is a cautious, quiet gentleman. It’s no wonder he’s suspicious when surrounded by overly eager and flirtatious, title-seeking females and their mothers! I love the way Poppy inadvertently ruffles his feathers and leaves him hot under the collar!
Jen Turano lavishes readers with stories that touch the heart and tickle the funny bone. Fans will notice cameo appearances by characters from her previous stories yet this book can be easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Diamond in the Rough doesn’t skimp on the substance for the sake of being entertaining.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Diamond in the Rough has it all from adventure and sweet romance to heartwarming faith-in-action, reconciliation, and light-hearted humor.
Poppy is simply delightful! Although her country roots and propensity for landing in outrageous situations don’t bode well for a triumphant social season among those 400 fancy folks in the big city, I greatly enjoyed the way she innocently shocked those stiff shirts and pampered ladies time and time again.
Reginald is a cautious, quiet gentleman. It’s no wonder he’s suspicious when surrounded by overly eager and flirtatious, title-seeking females and their mothers! I love the way Poppy inadvertently ruffles his feathers and leaves him hot under the collar!
Jen Turano lavishes readers with stories that touch the heart and tickle the funny bone. Fans will notice cameo appearances by characters from her previous stories yet this book can be easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Diamond in the Rough doesn’t skimp on the substance for the sake of being entertaining.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
addy1991's review
3.0
Poppy is a spitfire! It was a bit exhausting following her around on one madcap moment after another. My main concern is that she never takes full responsibility for her actions ... it's always someone else's fault. Poor Reginald! I know the author paired them but I have a hard time seeing a serious sort fall head over heels for someone who flits from one thing to the next. I guess opposites do attract! Poppy is fun and amusing but Reginald and several supporting characters made the story, in my opinion.